Although scholars know an increasing amount about the benefits of self-control and grit for college students, they know less about what influences self-control and grit in students. In this study we examined influences on self-control and a key element of grit in a national sample of college students. Results indicated that 5 of the 13 predictor variables significantly contributed to self-control and grit: others-focused purpose, time spent socializing, time spent in academic activities, success-focused purpose, and importance of religion.